Seasoned Traveler, The

Bermuda: February Is "Golden Rendezvous" Month#101The Seasoned Traveler visits these beautiful islands some 600 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Spotlighting Bermuda's attractions from end to end, host George Bauer showcases the parishes, as well as some of the islands' history; shares tips on the best food and drink and the most fun thing to do; and reveals what may be Bermuda' s best-kept secret.

Rv-Right for You?#102For viewers contemplating whether to buy a recreation vehicle for their pre-retirement or retirement years, The Seasoned Traveler is here to help. George Bauer rents a 28-foot monster for a week and takes it for a test drive-revealing the good and bad, the pros and cons of RV ownership. Driving to Florida, he meets other RVers who describe their own experiences.

Four Corners: Hiker's and Driver's Paradise#104Encompassing parts of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona, the Four Corners region is the only place in America where four states meet. It is also the place where ancestors of today's Native Americans lived and thrived. George Bauer visits this historically rich area, where he'll focus on hiking through the multitude of national parks and monuments and reveal why the region is such a wonderful place to drive. Among the stops: Hovenweep National Monument, Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly.

Copper Canyon/Women Traveling Alone#105Heading south of the border, George Bauer travels to Mexico for a train ride to massive Copper Canyon. While it resembles Arizona's Grand Canyon, Copper Canyon is four times larger. George rides along with some visitors on the famous Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad and explores the canyon. The program also includes a look at safety issues that women-especially older women-should consider when traveling alone to distant places. Seasoned travelers share tips for enjoying a safe and secure vacation.

Ancient and Colonial Mexico#106From Oaxaca to the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico is a culturally blessed land, and it has preserved its heritage so others can learn about its past. The Seasoned Traveler takes viewers to these regions, starting in Oaxaca and moving northward to San Cristobal, Palenque, Merida, Uxmal and Chichen Itza.

Toronto#107Each season, The Seasoned Traveler picks a world-class city to explore in depth. This season, that city is Toronto, one of the largest, safest and most dynamic cities in North America. In this episode, viewers will see what makes Toronto so memorable and why it'sCanada's most important city.

The Canadian#108All aboard! George Bauer takes viewers on the grandest train ride in Canada. VIA Rail Canada's Canadian service takes passengers from Toronto to Vancouver, traveling through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies en route. The Canadian passes through the lakelands of northern Ontario, the western plains and the mountain town of Jasper, ending its three-day journey on the Pacific coast. It's a trip that train-lovers and seasoned travelers alike will cherish.

Vancouver Island, Away from It All#109The Seasoned Traveler introduces viewers to one of Canada's most picturesque cities, Vancouver. George Bauer travels from historic Gastown to the top of Grouse Mountain, a skiing and sightseeing attraction just 15 minutes from downtown. Then he boards the ferry for Vancouver Island, a largely unspoiled part of British Columbia that is home to the lovely provincial capital of Victoria and The Butchart Gardens-one of the most beautiful green spaces in North America.

Cruising Europe, Popular with Older Travelers#110The Seasoned Traveler heads to Europe for a river cruise on the Rhine. The ship departs from Amsterdam, then enters the busy Rhine River in Germany. There is much to see as the ship sails along: verdant hills, majestic castles, picturesque towns and cities, and lush vineyards. River cruises have become hot travel tickets for mature travelers; George Bauer talks to some about the journey.

German Gems#111There are many great places to see in southern Germany, and in this episode, The Seasoned Traveler shows viewers some beauties. Stops include Koblenz, Rudesheim, Mainz, Heidelberg, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Rothenburg and Bamberg. George Bauer shows viewers what each of these gems has to offer.

Liechtenstein and the Other Little Lands#112After leaving Germany-one of Europe's largest countries-The Seasoned Traveler downsizes to take in five tiny European lands. George Bauer shows viewers the mountain highs and valley lows of the fairy-tale country of Liechtenstein-which is about the size of Washington, D.C.-and also briefly highlights Europe's other little lands: Andorra, San Marino, Monaco and Vatican City.

Christmas Markets#113Every year, as Advent arrives and people's thoughts turn to the joy of Christmas, Europe repeats a tradition that is more than 500 years old. In countries from Sweden to Spain and in cities from Paris to Prague, Christmas markets are set up in town squares. The markets have become a commingling of commerce and community, selling holiday ornaments and gifts, as well as food and the omnipresent gluhwein, a hot, spiced red wine that cheers shoppers on a cold night. George Bauer takes viewers to several Christmas markets, beginning in Vienna and Salzburg in Austria, then going on to towns including Passau, Regensburg and Nurnberg.

Michigan Marvels#201Often overlooked by tourists, Michigan is a treasure trove of quaint communities and colorful festivals, and it touches four of the five Great Lakes. In the season premiere, host George Bauer introduces viewers to attractions including the Tulip Time Festival in the aptly named town of Holland; lovely Mackinac Island, where glorious old hotels take visitors back in time; the Bavarian-style town of Frankenmuth; and the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, America's largest indoor/outdoor museum.

New York State: from End to End#202New York State is much more than just The Big Apple and Niagara Falls. George Bauer's visit includes the eastern end of Long Island, home of the Hamptons but less known for its beautiful, bucolic countryside and quaint villages; the spectacular Finger Lakes district, with its picturesque communities and numerous wineries; the majestic Adirondacks; and Lake Placid.

Quebec: C'est Magnifique#203In Canada's largest province, George Bauer explores Montreal, whose many attractions include the Vieux Montreal historical district and Mont Royal, an extinct volcano that offers an unparalleled view of the city. In the regal capital, Quebec City, George's stops include the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, a grand hotel on a bluff overlooking Old Quebec, and the Grande Allee, a charming promenade lined with restaurants and clubs. Capping off the tour: breathtaking Montmorency Falls, Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area and #le d'Orleans, a tiny agrarian paradise in the St. Lawrence River.

Slovenia#204In this Eastern European country, George Bauer stops in two enchanting alpine resort areas: Bled, with its perfect lake and stately 16th-century castle, and Bohinj, located in Slovenia's only national park. Other highlights include Skofja Loka, which boasts a charming town square and centuries-old inn; the capital city of Ljubljana, whose ancient roots are evident in the ruins and relics found in its Old Town district; the amazing rock formations of 4 million-year-old Postojna Caves; Predjama Castle, carved into the mouth of a rock cliff; and Lipica, birthplace of the famous Lipizzaner Stallion tradition.

Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina#205George Bauer introduces viewers to the Croatian Riviera, which has just about everything the French Riviera has, at half the cost. Highlights include the windblown island of Krk and the town of Vrbnik, where visitors can sample distinctive locally-produced wines; the Istrian peninsula, a melting pot of Slavic, Germanic, Italian and Roman cultures; Dubrovnik, an enthralling town dating back to the seventh century; and Mostar, a small Bosnian city once devastated by fighting, where an unusual annual competition draws athletes from around the world.

The Gulf Coast: After The Storms#206George Bauer's post-Katrina tour of the Gulf Coast takes him first to Florida, where his itinerary includes St. George Island, an inhabited but relatively unspoiled spit of land with beautiful beaches, marshlands and wooded areas, and Seaside, a picture-perfect beach town featured in the 1997 film The Truman Show. In Alabama, stops include Fairhope, a resort town with an unusual history, and the port city of Mobile, thought by many to be Alabama's most beautiful community. In Mississippi, George visits Biloxi-a prime gambling destination-and Pass Christian, once a popular getaway for wealthy New Orleanians.

Heritage Tours/Golf's Best Courses#207Fast becoming popular among seasoned travelers, heritage tours let people explore their own culture and history, or that of someone else. In this episode, Harlem Heritage Tours, started by lifelong Harlem resident Neal Shoemaker, affords George Bauer the opportunity to spend some time getting to know the famous New York City neighborhood. Also in this episode: George highlights 10 of the world's best golf courses, as selected by Travel + Leisure Golf editor-in-chief John Atwood.

English Gardens#208George Bauer visits some of England's largest-and smallest-flower-filled spaces. Highlights include Grimsthorpe Castle Park and Gardens, a 3,000-acre estate in the rolling hills of Lincolnshire; Chatsworth House, a Baroque palace whose grounds were first landscaped in the 1760s by the famous Capability Brown; and Durham's Crook Hall & Gardens, a small parcel that includes a Shakespeare Garden filled with plants and flowers from the Bard's time.

Scottish Castles#209George Bauer takes a trip back in time, beginning his castle trek on the River Tweed, at Traquair, the oldest continuously-inhabited house in Scotland. In central Scotland, he visits Stirling Castle-the must-see abode of Renaissance royalty including Mary, Queen of Scots-and Doune Castle, highlighted in the 1974 movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. In western Scotland, George stops at Culzean Castle, a cliff-top edifice with a commanding view of the sea.

A Tale of Two Cities#210Each year, The Seasoned Traveler devotes an entire episode to an important city. This season, George Bauer visits two cities-both American historical treasures rich in Southern splendor and gentility. Yet, while they have their similarities, Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, are very different from each other. Highlights of George's visits to these two "Southern Belles" include the cities' historical districts, their noteworthy museums of art and their interesting cemeteries.

Puerto Rico#211In the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, George Bauer visits San Juan, where he explores Old San Juan, with its narrow streets, charming old buildings and Spanish fortifications. Other highlights include Arecibo Observatory, site of the world's largest radio telescope; Rio Camuy Cave Park, containing the world's third-largest underground river and caves that are 45 million years old; and the rugged Sierra de Luquillo, site of the Caribbean National Forest, which gives new meaning to the term "rain forest."

Retiring to Panama#212Panama has emerged as a leading retirement destination for Americans, and a great place to buy a second home. George Bauer starts out in the bustling capital, Panama City, then heads to the lush oasis of the Gamboa Rainforest and the beautiful Chiriqui Mountains near the little farming town of Boquete-an area that is becoming a magnet for American retirees. The episode includes information on the significant incentives offered to Americans who move to this "retirement-friendly" country.

Peru#213George Bauer's daughter Lisa joins him for a season-ending sojourn in Peru. Their travels take them to the sprawling capital city of Lima; to Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire; and through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, site of the once-mighty Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo, considered by scientists to be perhaps the best preserved of all Incan sites. Their journey culminates in a visit to one of the world's most impressive archeological sites, the legendary lost city of Machu Picchu.

Hosted by award-winning journalist and veteran traveler George Bauer, The Seasoned Traveler presents useful travel tips for the 50-plus explorer. Bauer visits a wide range of fascinating destinations, including the beautiful islands of Bermuda, the national parks and monuments of the American Southwest, the ancient ruins of Mexico, the cosmopolitan Canadian cities of Toronto and Vancouver and picturesque southern Germany. In each episode, Bauer covers the destinations' "best bets" — its notable food and drink, best-kept secret and most enjoyable activity — and provides us with information resources for each locale. Throughout the show, mature travelers also share their own experiences — from the pros and cons of buying an RV to the pleasures of a Rhine River cruise.